It’s been seven years since DreamWorks introduced us to The Croods. The prehistoric family is (still) in search of a new, safer place to call home when they discover a utopia. Now the family is introduced to the Bettermans (emphasis on the ‘better’), which are more evolved than the Croods.
The Croods sequel is filled with fun family laughs and beautiful visuals from a time before skyscrapers and roads. There is no shortage of slapstick comedy and hilarious mix-mash creatures. Sea otter narwals, cow mammoths, and wolf spiders galore. Families will have a blast guessing all of the silly ‘Croodimals’ they see.
In The Croods: A New Age, we explore the backstory of Guy (Ryan Reynolds) and how he ended up all alone searching for others. His relationship with Eep (Emma Stone) has blossomed into a gag-fest of hearts and goo-goo eyes. It turns out, Guy knows the Bettermans, and they used to be neighbors when he was a young boy. Reuniting with Dawn (a girl the same age as Guy and Eep) makes Guy very excited.
Normally in stories where a girl loves a guy and another woman is introduced, you expect there to be horrible things that transpire. Thankfully, in The Croods: A New Age, they avoid the messy love triangle angle. In fact, the film highlights the start of a great new friendship between Eep and Dawn, high-pitched screams and all. After a wild night over the wall, the two bound as only new girlfriends can. Eep gets to share her life experiences with Dawn, who lived a sheltered life (much like Eep’s was before she left the cave).
Who are the Bettermans?
The Bettermans have created a paradise by diverting the water from a waterfall into their home area. With the water diverted, the family has developed their own farming techniques. Phil (Peter Dinklage) and Hope (Leslie Mann) live in this walled-in oasis with their daughter Dawn (Kelly Marie Tran). The Bettermans want nothing more but to protect their daughter and give her a bright future. Even if that means blowing up Eep’s world to get it. Their home is an elaborate collection of treehouses, and they have mastered some amazing inventions to make life easier in prehistoric times. Guy, being the resourceful man he is, loves seeing all the ways the Bettermans have made their life…well, better.
The Bettermans first-ever houseguests have a lot to learn from this evolved family. This creates tension between the families. The Bettermans have plans to get rid of the Croods and pave the way for a new love story. Phil and Hope would love nothing more than to see Guy be with Dawn, but Dawn is a great friend to Eep and has no desire to cross that bridge. The focus on true friendship and real relationships is an important message for kids.
A new threat brings everyone together for the greater good, showcasing that people can put their differences aside to do great things. A message that can be very important right now with a nation very divided. Grug (Nicolas Cage) and Ugga (Catherine Keener) teach the Bettermans a thing or two in their time of need.
The film is directed by Joel Crawford, who has worked on multiple DreamWorks Animation films, including Trolls and the Kung Fu Panda franchise, and is produced by Mark Swift (Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted).
You don’t want to miss this fun family film. The Croods: A New Age is in theaters on November 25th!
